Low-Re μUAV rotor design

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to the design, optimization and testing of rotors for small helicopters using Bezier curves as airfoils. Blade design with low Reynolds numbers (5,000–60,000) is seriously affected by air viscosity; therefore our approach to this scenario is to analyze the propellers through the use of 3D BEM/VPM (Blade Element Momentum/ Vortex panel method) theory, further refined by estimates of blade tip and blade root losses. In addition, the code used throughout this report creates a CAD file that allows the propeller to be visualized in 3D. This report also contains the rotor build for a micro-helicopter with its results compared to the performance of current propellers; the rotor features a 15 cm blade under a 10,000 Reynolds number at cruising speed.